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Ald. Latasha Thomas Will Not Seek a Fifth Term

By Wendell Hutson | October 19, 2014 8:58am
 Ald. Latasha Thomas (17th), whose ward includes Auburn Gresham, said after four terms in office she has decided not to seek a fifth term in 2015.
Ald. Latasha Thomas (17th), whose ward includes Auburn Gresham, said after four terms in office she has decided not to seek a fifth term in 2015.
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DNAinfo/Wendell Hutson

AUBURN GRESHAM —After first saying she planned to run for re-election Ald. Latasha Thomas (17th) said she has changed her mind about seeking a fifth term.

"It wasn't until Friday night that I decided not to run for re-election," Thomas told DNAinfo Chicago. "I will instead concentrate on my law practice but remain a part of the 17th Ward as the committeeman."

Her term as committeeman runs until 2016. Her aldermanic term expires in May.

Thomas first became alderman in 2000 when former Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed her to replace Terry Peterson, who became CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority. After she leaves office, Thomas, an attorney, said she would practice law full-time.

She insisted her decision had nothing to do with Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Church in Auburn Gresham, who earlier this year endorsed Glenda Franklin, a member of his church, for 17th Ward alderman.

"That played no part in my decision at all," added Thomas.

Pfleger said Thomas made the right decision.

"I have nothing against Ald. Thomas. I think she served her ward to the best of her ability and I know she cares deeply about the community, but I think it is time for new leadership and Glenda Franklin is it," Pfleger said.

As chairman of the City Council's Education Committee, Thomas said she acquired funding for many schools and parks in her ward that needed renovation work.

Her most recent economic achievement was in July when Wal-Mart broke ground for a new 42,942-square-foot store at the corner of 76th Street and Ashland Avenue.

"Our community needs this store because it will bring jobs to the community, food choices and more economic development," Thomas said.

During her nearly 15 year tenure Thomas said she worked to change the overall perception of the Englewood and Auburn Gresham communities and will continue to do so.

"By no means am I retiring from politics," Thomas said. "I just think now is the time to step aside and serve my community in another capacity."

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